president obama leading 49% to 46% among likely voters. again, within the margin of error and closer than it was two weeks ago. on the direction of the country, 40% say we're heading in the right direction. 53% say things are on the wrong track. 40% is the highest mark for this question in 3 1/2 years. there's also growing optimism about the economy. 57% say it's improving. that's the highest number this poll has recorded on this question. one thing not going the president's way here, his handling of the situations in egypt and libya. more people disapprove than approve on that question. as for mr. romney, it appears he's still paying for the comments about the 47%, 51% of respondents to this nbc poll say recent impressions made by the republican candidate make him less favorable. they view him less favorably. 28% say more favorably. >>> both presidential candidates were off the trail as they prepared for tonight's debate. the president spent the past couple of days working with his team in nevada. took a quick break to visit the hoover da